California is the first state to ban the use of more than one tenth of one percent phthalate in toys. It is commonly used to make toys and goods soft and pliable, such as rubber ducks, soft books, teething toys, and baby bottles.
I have personally tried to reduce the number of toys we have in our home that fit this description. We already tossed the rubber ducks because of lead paint concerns. But I know we already have had years of soft chewy toy exposure in our home. At this point, all we can do is hope harm has not been done.
Worries about the effects of phthalate have been communicated in the USA for years. Phthalates have been banned by the European Union and at least 14 other countries after studies found that the chemical interferes with hormones and might lead to early puberty, reproduction defects and other health problems.
Other states are considering banning the toys and goods made with these chemicals. I would suggest a major purge of the toy box and bath toy tub, if you are serious about keeping your young children safer as they grow.
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